Mets trade for Yoenis Cespedes, send two minor league players to Tigers

Yoenis Cespedes comes to the Mets in a trade that sends two minor league players to the Tigers. (Anthony Gruppuso/USA Today Sports)

As famous diehard Jerry Seinfield tweeted on Friday, here's wishing a Happy Cespedes to all of you Mets fans.

GM Sandy Alderson vowed to get a big bat before Friday's non-waiver trade deadline, and after some hairy and tearful moments earlier this week, the Mets landed Detroit slugger Yoenis Cespedes for two minor-league pitchers in the final minutes before the 4 p.m. cutoff.

"I think we've significantly improved the team over the last week or 10 days and I think in that sense we're all pleased," Alderson said before Friday's series opener against NL East-leading Washington. "(Cespedes) is a very dynamic player. He's a solid defender, excellent arm, very athletic, obviously power and hitting for average this year.

"We think he's going to impact us in a number of different ways. . . . I think that this is the kind of player that could have a big impact both in terms of the game on the field and how the team is perceived."

Alderson didn't have to part with injured starter Zack Wheeler to swing the trade, instead sending Double-A pitchers Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa to the Tigers.

The swap completed a week in which Alderson also added role players Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson in a trade with Atlanta and reliever Tyler Clippard in a deal with Oakland. The four new players are slated to be free agents after this season, with the Mets taking on roughly $8.6 million in additional salary. But that figure will be more than offset by monies already recouped through insurance on David Wright's contract for his injury and from Jenrry Mejia's two PED suspensions, totaling about $8.9 million.

"We understand that none of the players that we have currently will be with us necessarily next season. On the other hand, we'll deal with next season later," Alderson said. "I think it does reflect the fact that we believe we're in a position to compete through the rest of the season for a playoff spot and we're going to do everything we can to ensure that competitive level."

Earlier this week, of course, the Mets had agreed to send Wheeler and infielder Wilmer Flores to Milwaukee for center fielder Carlos Gomez.

Anderson on Friday called the Brewers' assertion "a total fabrication" and added that the Tigers are sending no money to offset the roughly $3.75 million remaining on Cespedes' expiring four-year, $36 million deal. The Mets also discussed potential trades for Cincinnati's Jay Bruce and others.

Yoenis Cespedes is on his fourth team in less than two seasons. (Kathy Willens/AP)

. . . We're in the mix and I salute the fact they made a move to make us better," Terry Collins said. "This guy, this is a big bat to add to our lineup. I think it's a huge step forward for us and it's gonna be pretty exciting.

"When all is said and done, to have somebody walk in the clubhouse that's a legitimate, run-producing, big-time name, I think it's gonna create a lot of energy in our clubhouse," the Mets' manager added. "I just know from talking to other people, what an impact he can make."

The Mets entered the weekend last in runs in the majors, but they were 37-6 in games in which they scored at least four times.

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Cespedes, a 29-year-old outfielder out of Cuba, hit .293 with 18 homers and 61 RBI for the Tigers this season. Citi Field fans will recall that he won the Home Run Derby there in 2013 with a prodigious power display to left field.

"Love it," said Johnson, who played briefly with Cespedes last season in Boston. "Of all the guys available, he's the one I wanted."

Added hitting coach Kevin Long: "It's hard not to get excited. When you hear Cespedes, you think right away of a guy who I have watched from afar and can flat-out hit. . . . I guess it's just what the doctor ordered."

Alderson added that Cespedes will be activated Saturday and likely will man left field — where rookie Michael Conforto mostly has been playing recently — with a determination on the injured Michael Cuddyer (knee) not necessary until he's ready to come off the disabled list. Alderson and Collins added that Curtis Granderson eventually could see some time in center.